Saturday after Epiphany – 09th January 2021 — Gospel: Jn 3,22-30
Not Competition but Culmination
We sense a degree of jealousy as John’s disciples express concern that Jesus is drawing people away from John (3,26). They are frustrated and upset, because after all, it was John who pointed the crowds to Jesus, and he contributed greatly to the success of Jesus. Notice how John’s disciples express their anger; how they choose to refer to Jesus. They do not call him by name, nor do they refer to him as the Messiah. They speak of Jesus as “the one who was with you, … the one about whom you testified.” They look upon Jesus as their competition, rather than as the culmination of their ministry. But John associates himself with Jesus, giving him credibility. Worse yet, John accepts his role and respects Jesus’ role as “what has been given from heaven” (3,27). His God given ministry was not to be the Messiah, but to introduce the Messiah. He must not compare himself with others or exceed the call he has received. He makes a transition that marks the defining moment of the history of salvation, the movement from the era of the prophets to that of the Messiah. Therefore, John declares that his role is like that of the best man at a wedding. He rejoices that the bride, Israel and the groom, Messiah are joined together. As the friend of the bridegroom, he knows that his task is accomplished, and he rejoices that his mission is being fulfilled. Because this is the plan and purpose of the sovereign God.
